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Design a Vending Machine
In First-Aid Dispenser, you read about a machine that dispenses medical supplies. What other items might people need quick access to? Use this design process to plan your own machine.
DEFINE THE PROBLEM
Where might a specialty vending machine be helpful? What items would it dispense? How would it work? Who would the customers be? Write a detailed description of your idea. Include information about the criteria and constraints you’d need to consider for your design to be successful.
BRAINSTORM SOLUTIONS
Think about how you could turn your idea from step 1 into a reality. Come up with several different design solutions for your vending machine. Write out step-by-step plans, draw diagrams, or make models for each design to help you envision how your machine would be used.
PLAN AND IMPROVE IT
Pick your best solution from step 2. Use it to create a blueprint for your vending machine. Pair up with a classmate and discuss your designs. Offer each other ideas on design features that might need to be tweaked or added.
OPTIMIZE YOUR DESIGN
Based on the feedback you received in step 3, make adjustments to your original plans. Keep going back to the drawing board until you’re satisfied. Then enter our contest.
ANALYZE IT: Survey people to gauge their interest in your machine. Research to see if anyone has patented your design yet.